Competence in research

The systematic research approach to the whole rail life cycle (from production of a rail until rail removal) is a key issue for voestalpine Schienen GmbH. Therefore we have focused on a number of specific research areas.

Basic research:
The basic behavior of rails under different loading conditions is analyzed concerning damage and material reaction together with internal and external partners.

Process Optimization:
Continuous optimization of our products and processes concerning rail production provides highest quality levels for all our rail grades.

New Product Development:
The development of new rail grades with pearlitic or bainitic material structures provides for our customers case of application optimized high quality rail grades in order to cope with future challenges of rail operation. 

Besides standard laboratory equipment for rail testing voestalpine Schienen GmbH posses a full scale rail wheel test rig in order to provide laboratory rail testing under real loading and contact conditions. In addition voestalpine Schienen GmbH operates a wide spread track test network in order to show the benefits of new and optimized rail grades in different loading scenarios (e.g. metro, light rail, mixed traffic, heavy haul…).